Crucial encounter beckons as India take on Zimbabwe in the second match of the T20 series at Harare.

India will look to bounce back in the 2nd T20 international of when they square off against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. Who would have imagined Zimbabwe will pull off an upset against the mighty Indians after they were completely outclassed in the ODI series just concluded a few days back. Zimbabwe received a lot of flak for their insipid performance from their supporters and to bounce back in this fashion shows the character of the team.

It was a come from behind victory of sorts, after they defended a mere 8 runs in the final over with MS Dhoni still at the crease. Zimbabwe will be buoyed coming into this second game as they would know they have a serious chance of pulling off a rare and historical series win at home against a country that is currently ranked no. 2 in the ICC T20 rankings. Another win and they can make the entire cricket world sit up and take notice of their monumental achievement.

India though, would look to play to their strengths and try to prove that Saturday’s loss was just an aberration. One can expect this young team to be more ruthless in the coming games and play like they mean business. It will be interesting to see the approach of the young lads and their response when they have been pushed to a corner like this. Dhoni might opt to field first yet again if he wins the toss, as he fancies chasing.

Match Date: June 20, 2016

Where to watch LIVE: Ten 1 HD and Ten 3

Match Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Match Timings: 1630 Hrs IST

Weather: It will remain mostly sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 24-degree celsius. No chance of rain. Ideal conditions for cricket.

Zimbabwe Team News

After pulling off a major upset on Saturday, Zimbabwe would be supremely confident when they take the field on Monday. Zimbabwe though will be sweating over Richmond Mutumbami’s injury after he was forced to retire hurt in the last match. If he misses out we might see Peter Moor come into the side as he is the second ‘keeper in the squad. Vusi Sibanda is injured and will not be available for selection.

The batters did brilliantly in the last game and Elton Chigumbura deserves all the applause for playing a tremendous innings under pressure. Masakadza, Chibhabha, Waller, and Raza played some crucial cameos and highlighted the importance of clicking together as a batting unit.

The bowlers were outstanding too picking wickets at regular intervals and bowling their hearts out in the death overs. Neville Madziva will be over the moon after that gem of a last over and the likes of Tiripano, Muzqarabani and Chibhabha too would feel good after sharing important wickets between them.

India Team News

India will be mulling a few changes in their line-up for the second T20, especially in the bowling front. It was a disappointing outing for Jaydev Unadkat who was taken apart in the powerplays as well as in the death overs and he could make way for Barinder Sran. Rishi Dhawan too was unimpressive with both the bat and ball. Dhawal Kulkarni who looked good in the ODIs might replace Dhawan.

On the batting front, the management could think of playing Karun Nair in the middle order in place of Kedar Jadhav. The rest of the batting picks itself but they would have to do much better.

Expect KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu to make amends with an in-form Manish Pandey giving solid support. Mandeep Singh too will look to make a mark at the top and get India off to a flying start. MS Dhoni would like to erase the scars of the previous game and come back roaring in this second T20 international.